Illegal deer hunters targeted in joint operations

Game Management Authority (GMA) officers together with Victoria Police and Parks Victoria will continue to combine their efforts in conducting operations specifically targeting rogue deer hunters over the coming months.

Thursday 22 June 2017

Game Management Authority (GMA) officers together with Victoria Police and Parks Victoria will continue to combine their efforts in conducting operations specifically targeting rogue deer hunters over the coming months.

GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said there was an operation over the weekend targeting hunters travelling to Buffalo and Buckland Valleys.

"On Friday 16 June, around 25 cars were intercepted and inspected at a road block at the intersection of Rose River and Buffalo River Road," Mr Hyams said.

"Five hunters were found to be illegally in possession of a firearm and spotlight in recognised deer habitat after sunset. Three will receive official warnings and the other two had their equipment seized and will most likely receive a summons to appear in court."

"One hunter's dog will be reviewed against the breed standards and could face deregistration."

On Saturday 17 June, there was a patrol of the Simmons Creek Track and Buckland Valley area, with around 35 hound hunters, ten stalkers and four gold prospectors spoken to.

Mr Hyams said one hunter will receive an infringement notice for illegally being in possession of a dog in a National Park, while another is being investigated for carrying a loaded firearm on a public road.

"Illegal hunting and irresponsible behavior can put people and wildlife at risk and damages the reputation of hunting."

"The GMA together with its partner agencies will continue to conduct similar unannounced operations anywhere in the state at any time so hunters must be compliant or risk large fines, the loss of their game and firearms licences and forfeiture of their equipment."

The GMA strongly encourages hunters and the public to report any suspected illegal hunting activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or via the GMA website at www.gma.vic.gov.au or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au For more information on game hunting in Victoria, visit www.gma.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Hetherington, Media and Communications Adviser on 0409 405 639